Grenada’s public library was one of 25 state literacy supporters to receive a portion of a $95,000 grant awarded by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation.
Friends of Elizabeth Jones Library was among Mississippi teachers, libraries and nonprofit organizations to receive grants ranging from $750 to $30,0000, which are aimed to support youth literacy programs in the communities Dollar General serves.
Library Director Crystal Osborne said the local library will put the funding to good use by helping address one of today’s most common learning disabilities.
“The Friends of Elizabeth Jones Library Literacy Project “How to be Dyslexia Friendly” will consist of adding dyslexia resources to support learning diversity and to meet the needs of those with dyslexia,” she said. “Print material, audio material and educational games are some resources we will provide for inhouse and checkout.”
Osborne said work has already started making the necessary improvements at the library to ensure the dyslexia project is beneficial.
“We hope these grant funds will benefit our local community by providing those in need of different learning strategies an option to try,” she added.
The grants awarded to Mississippi organizations are expected to positively impact the lives of more than 15,288 residents. The local grant award is part of more than $3 million in grants awarded this fall to nearly 760 organizations across the 46 states.
“The Dollar General Literacy Foundation has been proud to invest in literacy and education programs in the communities we call home for nearly 30 years,” Denine Torr, executive director of the Dollar General Literacy Foundation and vice president of corporate social responsibility at Dollar General, said. “As the educational landscape continues to shift, our hope is that these funds will help increase access and resources for students, educators and communities dedicated to reading and learning.”
More than 425,000 students nationwide are expected to be positively impacted by projects receiving funding, including new and/or expanded literacy programs, and through the purchase of technology, equipment books or materials to enhance literacy programs.
Since its inception in 1993, the Dollar General Literacy Foundation has awarded more than $200 million in grants to nonprofit organizations, helping more than 14 million individuals take their first steps toward literacy or continued education.
Teach For America-Greater Delta: Mississippi & Arkansas was the only other nearby state organization awarded funds. The Lafayette County-based organization received $30,000.
